Book Conservation

Did you know it is possible to get a degree in book conservation and repair, or something close to it. Until Saturday this was not a thing I was aware of. It was like finding out that a piece of me could have been filled in years ago, if I'd only known. Maybe I will find a nice short certificate program as I am willing to acknowledge there is a point where maybe I should be concerned about how many degrees I have, or want.

Currently a friend and I (who I met in class) and her coworker at State Parks are taking private book/paper conservation classes with an amazing conservationist near Napa. She trained at Yale and in England, and has a shop that makes me slightly envious. She just finished work on a book that was printed in 1613, said tome was recently purchased for $300,000. More to come about what we did for our first class. Be forewarned I have discovered a new enthusiasm for wheat paste, fold and tear repair, and bone folders. Going to start flattening the old maps I've been storing.

Guac Girl

Q really dug into the guacamole. She climbed up on the table and positioned herself right in front of the bowl. Repeatedly she scooted herself closer and closer, until she almost pushed the bowl off the table's edge.

Notice the chunk of green at the corner of her mouth. Afterward she needed a bath.

Amazingly Jonah slept soundly on the couch all evening.

Salvage

HOW IN THE WORLD DID I EXIST ALMOST 30 YEARS WITHOUT EVER ONCE VISITING A SALVAGE YARD???

Perhaps the fact that the barn, Gma B’s house, and other places I do frequent precluded the necessity of stopping in. 


Last Saturday I had a inaugural visit. So much fun. I had visions of the stained glass windows, fireplace mantels, doors, trunks, claw foot tubs fitting into my apartment – which does already have a claw foot tub I know. 

I resisted purchasing anything. But I found the experience delightful. My friend A has been trying to get me to visit one here in Sac with her but I've always protested, protest no more.

Prospect of a Nursery

I am not, and have not ever been, a gardener. But I’ve always wanted to be. The credit goes to The Secret Garden, which to this day is one of my favorite books and one of the first real books I read on my own. I remember being so proud of myself when I finished it. I think it took the entire month of September to read. Grandpa S had an amazing garden when I was little. He still keeps a few things planted but it’s a sacrifice on his part to get down to the backyard to work on it. The B Grandparents had what I thought was a magical front yard, one covered with little white and pink flowers among the grass. Perfect for making crowns of flowers.

I always think - someday I’ll have a garden. I spent a few months after my first year at BYU working in the nursery section of Lowe’s. I’d get envious watching everyone walk out with their trees, flowers, and herbs. Someday.

Saturday after lunch we stopped at East Bay Nursery.

This is my new favorite tree - a Japanese Coral Bark Maple. I envision a forest of trees with coral and yellow trunks and bright green leaves that change to red in the Fall.

I think I need to go get some planters and pot some plants. It’s not like I don’t have room...I just always seem to be perpetually planning on moving within the next 6-8 months. Wanderlust. JRRT had something when he wrote “Not all those who wander are lost” – in my case I seem always to be seeking something that replants me.